Saint Peter’s Catherdral in Rennes is one of nine historic cathedrals throughout Brittany. Its location in the heart of the city has been the site of cathedrals , and the seat of the Archdiocese of Rennes, Dol, and Saint Malo, since the sixth century. During the twelfth century, the earlier church was replaced with a Gothic-styled structure. However, the construction of this newer building left a lot to be desired, as, in 1429, the Tower and the West Facade collapsed.
Rebuilt over the next two centuries (with long gaps between construction stages), the old cathedral was completely replaced. However, this construction also had some faults; in 1754, a large stone fell from the roof of the choir. It was then decided to demolish everything before the whole building collapsed. This demolition occurred between 1756 and 1768, leaving just the formerly rebuilt tower and western facade intact. Rebuilding began in 1787 but was suspended when the French Revolution took place. By 1816, reconstruction began again., finishing by 1845. During this period of reconstruction, the Abbey church “Our Lady in Saint Melanie of Rennes” served as the pro-cathedral (i.e. temporary substitute). This Abbey church had been dedicated to the first bishop of Rennes (St. Melanie) who was buried on the grounds in the sixth century.
During 1906, the Cathedral was designated as a historic monument since it was the only church in Breton modeled after a Roman Basilica. The coronations of all the Dukes and Duchess of Brittany have occurred in this Cathedral.
Rebuilt over the next two centuries (with long gaps between construction stages), the old cathedral was completely replaced. However, this construction also had some faults; in 1754, a large stone fell from the roof of the choir. It was then decided to demolish everything before the whole building collapsed. This demolition occurred between 1756 and 1768, leaving just the formerly rebuilt tower and western facade intact. Rebuilding began in 1787 but was suspended when the French Revolution took place. By 1816, reconstruction began again., finishing by 1845. During this period of reconstruction, the Abbey church “Our Lady in Saint Melanie of Rennes” served as the pro-cathedral (i.e. temporary substitute). This Abbey church had been dedicated to the first bishop of Rennes (St. Melanie) who was buried on the grounds in the sixth century.
During 1906, the Cathedral was designated as a historic monument since it was the only church in Breton modeled after a Roman Basilica. The coronations of all the Dukes and Duchess of Brittany have occurred in this Cathedral.
Rennes’ St. Peter’s Cathedral has gone through several reconstructions over the years, some because of poor prior construction.
Still, the finished product is beautiful.
A view of the main altar from the choir loft by the organ.
While exploring the cathedral, we spotted this illuminated angel statue with the organ in the background and thought it presented a great image.
Painter Alphonse le Henaff painted this fresco, above the main altar, of Christ handing the keys of heaven to St. Peter.
Amongst the several side chapels in the cathedral is the St. Michel chapel which hosts this statue of St. Anne in front of a magnificent stain glass window.
Every cathedral we’ve visited presented wonderful rose windows. This one caught our attention because of the sun rays illuminating the interior.
Works of art abound throughout the Cathedral.
The cathedral’s “Treasury Room” contained this exquisitely sculptured altar piece. We could only imagine the craftsmanship it took to create such a work of art.
During the early to mid-19th century reconstruction of Rennes’ St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Abbey Church of Our Lady in Saint Melanie of Rennes served as the substitute cathedral.
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